INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana Secretary of State Diego Morales is taking proactive measures to safeguard the integrity of the upcoming General Election by hosting a series of regional training and coordination sessions for election administrators and community first responders, including local IT directors, Emergency Management Offices, and law enforcement agency personnel.
These exercises are designed to ensure that election officials across the state are fully prepared to address and respond to a wide range of potential challenges leading up to and on Election Day. Key focus areas included operational security, cyber security, and physical security.
Six regional tabletop exercises were held throughout the summer. The exercises were developed using materials created by the Indiana Secretary of State’s Office, the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.
County clerks, election administrators, emergency management officials, sheriffs, and IT directors were encouraged to attend. Attendees were allowed to hear from state and federal officials, connect with resources, and practice response plans for various threat situations.
“Ensuring the safety and security of Indiana’s elections is our top priority. These regional tabletop exercises allowed election administrators to prepare for incidents. Our election administrators must know what to do and how to work together in those just-in-case situations. From a physical security threat to natural disasters to a cybersecurity attack. These drills not only reinforce our election security protocols but also foster collaboration among key stakeholders to guarantee that Hoosiers can trust in the integrity of our elections,” said Diego Morales, Indiana Secretary of State.
In addition to the tabletop exercises, the Secretary of State’s office has also launched several measures aimed at security enhancements, including the ‘Blow the Whistle’ initiative and working with the Clerks’ Association on Senate Enrolled Act 170, which expands the definition of an election worker and provides legal protections they deserve.
